A massive power outage that left several parts of the country without electricity last Friday, has sparked a blame game among the country's power sector companies.

There are fresh allegations of a cover-up as the power sector players shift blame.

The Ghana Gas Company on Monday, July 10, issued a statement insisting the problem has been resolved.

https://myjoyonline.com/gas-shortage-affecting-power-supply-gridco-and-ecg-announce/

They also rejected claims that they did nothing to mitigate the impact on power-generating companies.

The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), on the other hand, has denied the claim by the Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) that there was a shortage of gas due to the company’s inability to supply gas. 

GRIDCO said the situation created a supply gap of 650MW at peak time in the country thus causing power outages in several areas.

https://myjoyonline.com/unplanned-reduction-in-natural-gas-supply-to-power-generation-companies-resolved-ghana-gas/

But former chair of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Dr. Stephen Manteaw says there is something amiss.

He expressed his surprise at ECG’s statement on the issue since they are not the right channel to communicate the challenge associated with fuel supply.

“ECG in the value chain is responsible for power distribution. So, if there is any challenge arising out of the distribution network, then, of course, you hold on ECG to provide the explanation. If the challenge comes from transmission, then of course, GRIDCo provides the explanation, and if the challenge has to do with power generation and associated shortfall, then of course, the generation companies including VRA ought to provide the explanation.

"So, when you have a distribution company providing an explanation as to a challenge in the generation, side of things, it becomes mind-boggling. And this is clear indication that something is not just working right,” he explained.

https://myjoyonline.com/were-available-to-transport-gas-we-have-no-technical-issues-wapcos-reject-gridcos-claim-recent-dumsor/

He added that with the way things are going, “there is a cover-up to the real challenge.”

He urged the players in the energy sector to “rise up to their respective responsibilities and mandate and whenever they have a challenge, let the rightful player provide the explanation.”

https://myjoyonline.com/purc-is-sleeping-on-the-job-dr-manteaw-blasts-regulator-over-its-silence-on-recent-power-outages/

Speaking on Top Story on Monday, the policy analyst berated the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for its silence on the recent power outage.

Dr Manteaw says the Commission is reneging on its mandate of protecting consumers' interest.

According to him, this lackadaisical attitude is most undesirable to consumers and must be called out. 

“For me, what is most disappointing in all of these is the silence of the PURC on this matter. We are yet to hear from PURC on this matter. Let me put on record that the PURC is an independent arbiter responsible for the protection of consumers' interest and to ensure that we get the best of service.”

“So, if there has been this major challenge in the power sector and for many hours now, they are yet to tell us anything, then for the want of a better expression, PURC is sleeping on the job.”